The Salesians of Don Bosco
St. John Bosco, fondly known as Don Bosco, was born in 1815 in Turin, Italy. At the age of two, he lost his father and was raised by his mother, experiencing poverty and hardship from a young age. Despite these challenges, he was deeply inspired by a dream he had at the age of nine, which ignited his lifelong mission—to help and educate disadvantaged youth. Determined to become a priest, John Bosco left home to pursue his education. His journey was far from easy—he faced ridicule from classmates for being older, worked as a tailor, cobbler, and waiter to support himself, and studied late into the night by candlelight. His perseverance paid off, and at 26 years old, he was ordained a priest, earning the title Don [Father] Bosco. With an unwavering commitment to serving vulnerable youth, Don Bosco opened a hospice for orphaned and homeless boys, where his mother served as the housekeeper. He provided them not only with food and shelter but also with education and vocational training in reading, writing, tailoring, shoemaking, and printing. More than just a teacher, he created a family-like environment of trust and care, transforming the lives of countless young people. His unique "Preventive System of Education", built on reason, religion, and loving kindness, became his greatest legacy. He famously said: "It is enough to know that you are young and abandoned for me to love you very much." Even centuries after his passing, Don Bosco’s vision continues to inspire. Thousands of individuals worldwide have dedicated themselves to his mission through the Salesians of Don Bosco, an international religious society he founded. Today, Salesian priests and brothers work across the globe, bringing education, skill development, and hope to young people—especially those most at risk—ensuring that Don Bosco’s dream lives on.